overview and definition
A student holding an F-1 visa and studying at the University of Utah who has dependents is eligible to apply for an F-2 dependent visa. A dependent is either a spouse or unmarried minor children (under 21 years of age). The dependent is added to the primary F-1 student's SEVIS record, and will receive their own I-20 and SEVIS number.
An F-2 dependent's immigration status is dependent on the F-1 immigration status. If the F-1 status expires, terminates, or the F-1 leaves the U.S. permanently, the F-2's status also ends.
Policies
F-2 spouses and adult children may study less than full-time. F-2 children may study full-time at U.S. public schools (kindergarten through 12th grade).
F-1 students must notify ISSS when their F-2 dependents end their visa sponsorship due to: permanently leaving the U.S. or by changing their visa status. More information can be found under "Removing a Dependent."
Upon receiving a COMPLETED application from the student, ISSS will process the application within 10 business days or sooner.
ISSS is not able to expedite any request as we strive to provide fair and equitable service to all students. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they submit their request in a timely manner.
Calling and emailing ISSS to request that we process student's requests as soon as possible will only slow down the process.
Students must submit one e-form per dependent.
Applying for an F-2 Dependent i-20
- Login to UAtlas and go to "F-1 Update Your SEVIS Record"
Complete the "Dependent Application" e-form.
- Provide Required Documents
Along with inputting biographical information about your dependent (name, date of birth, citizenship, etc.) the following documents must be uploaded to this E-form:
A copy of dependent's biographical (photo) page from passport.
Students wanting to add their spouse must provide a copy of their marriage certificate. If a student is engaged and has not been married, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions section.
Copy of birth certificate for students wishing to add children (under 21 years of age).
Students are required to provide proof of $6,000 per dependent. The document must be issued within the last 6 months and be translated in English.
If the financial documents are from another individual, they are required to fill out the Affidavit of Support document and upload to the e-form request.
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- A Designated School Official (DSO) from ISSS will review the completed application.
Once the DSO receives the completed application, they will process it up to 10 business days. DSO's will review the student's application and to determine if the funding provided meets requirements. Once the application is approved, the student will receive an email from ISSS.
- Receiving the Initial I-20
Once the application is approved, the DSO will send the I-20 electronically through UAtlas. Students will receive a second email with instructions on how to retrieve the I-20. Students are advised to immediately print and sign the I-20
Once the student receives the Dependent's I-20, the F-1 student will sign the document at the bottom of the first page. Your dependent should not sign their I-20 - only the F-1 primary signs this document.
After Receiving the F-2 Dependent
I-20
Once the student has received their F-2 Dependent's I-20, they will now need to obtain an F-2 visa or change the visa status if the dependent is already in the U.S. on another visa status.
If your dependent is traveling to Utah from outside the U.S., your dependent will need to apply for an F-2 visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of citizenship. Your dependent will need to bring their new F-2 dependent I-20 to their visa interview.
For more information about this process and the additional documents your dependent will need to present at their visa interview, please refer to visa application information on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate's website or contact them directly.
If your spouse or child is currently in the U.S. on another visa status and wishes to change their visa status to F-2 without departing the U.S, please meet with an ISSS Advisor to ensure this is the best option for your dependent. Almost always, students must work with an immigration attorney.
Dependents and Travel
F-2 dependents may depart and re-enter the U.S. independently of the F-1 student as long as the F-1 student is in active status.
F-2 dependents must carry the following documents when entering the U.S.:
- Passport - the passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay in the United States.
- F-2 Visa Stamp - the stamp must be valid.
- Dependent I-20 - must have a valid Travel Signature.
- Copies of Primary F-1 Student Immigration Documents - documents include: passport, F-1 I-20, F-1 visa stamp, I-94 (if traveling separately.)
- Copies of Work Authorization (If applicable) - If the primary F-1 student is currently working on post-completion OPT, F-2 dependents should carry copies of the F-1's OPT I-20, EAD card, and job offer letter.
Removing a Dependent
A dependent who has either changed their visa type, permanently departed the U.S., the relationship has changed, or has aged out (dependent reaching the age of 21) will need to be removed from the F-1 student's record by reporting to ISSS. Below is a step-by-step process.
- Complete the "Voluntary Termination Request of F-2 SEVIS Record" Form
Students are required to fill out and submit this form. One form per dependent must be submitted.
Voluntary termination of f-2 record request form
- Login to UAtlas and go to "F-1 Update Your SEVIS Record"
Complete the "Remove Dependent Request" e-form. Upload the completed "Voluntary Termination of F-2 Record Request Form."
- A Designated School Official (DSO) from ISSS will review the completed application.
Once the DSO receives the completed application, they will process within 10 business days. DSOs will review the student's application. Once the application is approved, the student will receive an email from ISSS.
Once removed, if the F-2 dependent wants to remain in the U.S., they must have already applied for an independent status prior to the end of their F-2 status.
- Receiving the I-20
Once the request is approved, the DSO will send the I-20 electronically through UAtlas. Students will receive a second email with instructions on how to retrieve the I-20. Students are advised to immedietly print and sign the I-20.
F-2 Dependent - Frequently Asked Questions
Travel
The F-2 dependents may remain in the U.S., if the F-1 travel outside the U.S. without them, as long as the F-1 student is in active status and will return after a temporary absence using the same SEVIS number.
If the F-1 student departed the U.S. and has not applied for OPT, the F-2 must also depart the U.S. at that time and cannot re-enter on the current program.
No Marriage Certificate
Study
Yes, F-2 spouses and adult children may study less than full-time. For undergraduate students, "part-time" is anything under 12 credits; for graduate students, part-time is anything under 9 credits (or less than 3 thesis credits)
F-2 children may study full-time at U.S. public schools (kindergarten through 12th grade).
Employment
No, F-2 dependents cannot lawfully work in the U.S., and are not eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).
Adding Non-Dependents
No, you cannot add anyone other than your legally married spouse or children as your F-2 dependent.